Tofield and Area Health Foundation Gala brings community together

Despite the numbing cold chill and winter onslaught on Saturday evening, Feb. 9, Tofield and area community gathered together at the Tofield Community Hall on Main Street to show their support for the Tofield and Area Health Foundation Gala.

One of the main annual fundraisers for the organizations, funds raised from the evening are put back into community health initiatives.

Kevin Smook at the gala on Saturday, Feb. 9. MOUSH JOHN PHOTOS

“Some of the funds from the gala will go towards two community wellness initiatives,” said Brenda Chehade, chair of the Tofield and Area Health Foundation. “A free swim the first Sunday of every month at the Ryley Pool, and a free skate at the Tofield Arena the third Sunday for the months of Feb., March, Oct., Nov. and Dec.; one of our main goals is to try to keep our community healthy.”

Guests enjoy supper at the gala.

Although Chehade wasn’t able to give a figure as to how much was raised, she said that the partnerships that were built along the way would help them to keep the costs low.

“The partnerships were a big help in keeping the cost down for the gala – Beaver Municipal Solutions (BMS) provided funds for the entertainment; the Town of Tofield donated the amount of the hall rental; and the Village of Ryley provided the use of some of the event necessities, such as wine glasses and table cloths . . . contd.